Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/08/11

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Subject: [Leica] Re: Another Leica vs medium format debate
From: Jim Brick <jimbrick@photoaccess.com>
Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 14:33:24 -0700

As Dan says, there is no substitute for image size. I prove it weekly. I
print Leica 35mm Velvia, 4x5 Velvia, and now Hasselblad Velvia. I just made
two 48x60 (that's 4' x 5') prints from 4x5 Velvia. there is not a hint of
grain, anywhere. Dead sharp from front to back. You can look at it from six
inches and it looks like you could pick the flowers. You cannot do this
very easily with a 35mm original.

To make big prints without grain and unquestioned sharpness, you need big
originals.

Jim


At 07:32 PM 8/11/99 +0000, Dan wrote:
>All films and conditions being equal there is no comparison.  You would have 
>to use a finer grain film in a 35mm format to try to equal the results from 
>a Hassleblad 6x6. There is no substitution for a larger negative.
>
>If you are trying to APPROXIMATE 6x6 results try using Kodak Tech pan film 
>rated at ASA25.  This is the finest grain, highest resolution film 
>available, exceeding the best lens' resolving power.  For color try 
>Kodachrome 25.  That said, at 16x20 you will start to see the slight grain 
>pattern even with the 25 speed films.  A tripod will be necessary of course, 
>which tends to negate the size advantages of 35mm.
>
>I'll probably get flamed for this but if you are really picky about maximum 
>image quality and portability is not an issue go for the Hassleblad.
>
>Best wishes
>Dan
>
>
>
>>I'd be interested in how you feel about 16X20 prints from Leica versus
>>Hblad, all films etc being equal. Also, what films would tend to minimize
>>the grain and resolution differences between the two systems.
>
>
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